Suzie Bates has announced that the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be the final tournament of her international career, bringing the curtain down on more than 20 years of service to New Zealand and the women’s game.
One of the most accomplished cricketers of her generation, Bates made her international debut against India in 2006 and has since become a defining figure for the White Ferns through consistency, leadership and longevity. She is set to retire as New Zealand Women’s highest run-scorer across formats and currently remains the leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals (T20Is).
Reflecting on her journey, Bates admitted the passing of time had been difficult to comprehend after such a long career at the top level. “When I look back on the past 20-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” Bates said. “I’m immensely proud to have worn the fern so many times, and I’ve been filled with enormous purpose and joy in striving each day to be a better person, team-mate, cricketer, and athlete for this team.”
Her numbers underline the scale of that contribution. In Women’s T20 Internationals, Bates has scored 4717 runs in 181 matches at an average of 28.93, including one century and 28 half-centuries. In ODIs, she has amassed 5964 runs in 181 appearances at an average of 38.23, with 13 centuries and 37 fifties.
Bates has also provided balance as an all-rounder, taking 83 ODI wickets and 62 T20I wickets, while her athletic fielding has been a constant asset throughout her career. She captained New Zealand from 2011 to 2018 and remained one of the team’s senior leaders long after stepping away from the role.
Despite announcing her retirement plans, Bates made it clear that all focus is now on one final challenge — helping New Zealand defend the T20 World Cup title in England later this year. “I have one final mission: to head to the UK – a place that holds so many special memories for me – and win another World Cup,” Bates said. “I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this final quest, dedicating every minute to helping this team play the kind of cricket we, and our country, can be proud of.”
Tributes were led by current New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr, who highlighted Bates’ selfless influence within the side and the example she set for younger players coming through the system. “Growing up Suzie was my role model, and I was fortunate enough to make the team when she was captain,” Kerr said. “If you’ve ever been lucky enough to play alongside her, you’ll know that she’s one of the most selfless cricketers in the world and one of the greatest team-mates.”
New Zealand Cricket’s Head of Women’s High Performance Development Liz Green also praised Bates’ wider contribution to the sport. “It’s hard to find the words for a player like Suzie,” Green said. “The women’s game has been able to develop into what it is today because of players like her.” Bates also thanked her family, partner and the coaches and staff who supported her throughout the journey, acknowledging the many people who shaped her career behind the scenes.
With one final global event ahead, Bates now enters the closing chapter of a glittering career. Whether measured by runs, wickets, leadership or influence, she departs as one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever cricketers and a true pioneer of the women’s game.
(Quotes sourced from New Zealand Cricket)
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